Liquid dispensing apparatus



Feb. 13, 1934. K. E. BEMIS 1199469559 LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS FiledMay 19, 1930 2 s ets-Sheet 1 Hllll/ j J -m 11 15 YJIKZO ATTORNEY.

Feb. 13, 1934. E, BEMIS 1,946,519

LIQUID DISPENSING APPARATUS Filed May 19 1930 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNE.

Patented Feb. 13, 1934 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LIQUID DISPENSINGAPPARATUS Kenneth E. Bemis, Chicago, 111., assignor to Walgreen 00.,Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois This invention relates tomerchandising devices and more particularly to refrigerated liquidvenders, although certain features thereof may be employed with equaladvantage for oth- 5 er purposes.

It contemplates more especially the provision of a simple and improvedmerchandising device for dispensing liquids to the trade in arefrigerated or cool state.

,In dispensing liquids, there is a requirement for refrigeration,together with adaptability of immediate liquid replenishment. As a consequence, the provision of means for substituting refrigerated containerswith liquids by mere re- .15 placement, constitutes a simple, readilyoperable and dependable device for constant dispensing of refrigeratedliquids.

One object of the present invention is to simplify the construction andimprove the operation of devices of the character mentioned.

Another object is the provision of an eflicient and novel refrigeratedchamber in communication with liquid dispensing means to maintain theliquid at a refreshing temperature during summer heat for selectivedischarge.

Still another object is the provisionof combined display, extracting anddispensing devices of novel construction.

A further. object is to provide a liquid dispensing device having meansassociated therewith for the immediate replenishment of a refrigeratedliquid supply.

A still further object is to provide simple, selfcontained liquidrefrigerator compartments for dispensing apparatus.

Still a further object is the provision of dispensing means forcombining various substances responsive to the vending dischargethereof.

An additional object is the provision of a combined extractor with adispensing device for creating and mixing liquids during theirdischarge.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following descriptionof an illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a rear view in elevation of a device embodying features ofthe present invention.

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along line II-II ofFigure 1.

Figure 3 is a front view in elevation of the device shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the liquid confining container showingthe refrigerant chamber disposed therein in assembled relation.

Figure 5 is a side view in elevation of the closure complementalto theliquid confiningcontainer and refrigerant chamber.

Figure 6 is a plan view of the interior surface of the closure employedin connection with the liquid confining container shown in Figure '4.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the-refrigerant chamber which isformed independent of 5 the liquid confining container for confinementtherein.

Figure 8 is a sectional view of the valve dispensing faucet takensubstantially along line VIIIVIII of Figure 1.

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken substantially along line IX-:IX ofFigure 2.

The structure selected for illustration comprises a chambered casing orbase 10 preferably though not essentially of semi-cylindricalconfiguration elongated along the vertical for support on any suitablesurface 11, it terminating in the rear edges thereof inlaterallyrextending flanges 12 integrally or otherwise'joined thereto tolaterally stabilize the base 10 as well asimpart a more impressiveappearance thereto. As shown, the base 10 is provided with a bottomclosure 13 adhesively or otherwise attached thereto, it confronting atopclosure 14 joined thereto in a similar or any other suitable manner.

It is to be noted that the'base 10 terminates rearwardly in an open.face enabling complete andready access to the chambered interior 15which extends to the rear of a vending counter for concealed view fromthe patrons who ap- 9Q proach the opposite side or front thereof. Inorder to enable the concealed confinement ofliquids such as orangejuices within the casing 10, a liquid container 16, in this instance ofcylindrical configuration, is shaped of somewhat smaller dimensions.than the interior casing chamber 15 for ready positioningthereinor-removal therefrom. As shown, the container 16 is provided witha valved dispensing faucet 17 in communication with the interior throughthe wall thereof proximate to the closed container bottom 18 so that theliquid 19 may be discharged therethrough responsive tothe influence ofgravity. The dispensing faucet l7-is disposed-rearwardly for exteriorextension beyondthe ledge or flange 20 which projects from the rearedgeof the casing bottom 13, thereby precluding the accidental removalor displacement of the container 16.

.Ingorder to refrigerate the liquid -19 as well n as maintain such at adecreased refreshing temperature, a refrigerant chamber 21 is disposedwithin the container 16 preferably in axial alignment therewith todefine an annular liquid space 22 therein. In the present instance, therefrigerant chamber 21 is of rectangular cross section, it havingahollow interior for the reception of any suitable refrigerant such asice or dry ice 23. Although the refrigerant chamber is independentlyconstructed relative to the liquid container 16, it may be disposedtherein for registry with depending flanges 24 integrally or otherwiseformed or attached to the interior surface of a closure 25 which iscomplemental to the open mouthed container 16 for telescopic associationtherewith by means of a corrugated or plain flange 26.

A handle member 27 is attached to'the closure 25 for projection throughthe open rear face of the base or casting 10 to enable the attendant toeffect the oscillation thereof for imparting similar movement to therefrigerant chamber 21 to effect the agitation of the liquid such asorange juice 19 confined in the annular chamber 22 of the container 16.It is worthy of note that the closure 25 maintains the refrigerantchamber 21 in spaced relation with the walls of the container 16 and,moreover, the cornered contour thereof presents pronounced agitation ofthe liquid 19 responsive to the oscillation of the closure 25 relativeto the container 16. In consequence thereof, a homogenously andthoroughly mixed liquid drink 19 will issue through the faucet 1'7 whichis provided with a valve 28 to control the discharge.

A cylindrical section 29 of somewhat smaller diameter than the base 10is disposed thereon, it being provided with a telescopically associatedend cover 30 which is disposed above radially extending interior ribs 31supported by a vertical bearing 32 centrally or axially thereof forattachment to a shaft 33 to rotate in unison therewith. Theshaft 33projects through the end cover 30 so that a display member 34 may beattached thereto for movement in unison therewith. In the presentembodiment, the display member34 constitutes an enlarged sphericalmember shaped and ornamented to impart the appearance of an orangethereto, the top or pole thereof being provided with a dished plate 34having a threaded bore for engagement with a correspondingly threadedextremity 36 of the shaft 33 to support fresh oranges 3'7 or the likefor advertising attraction.

In order to impart rotation to the display member 34, the shaft 33terminates in a beveled gear 38 which is designed to mesh with a beveledgear 39 carried by a stub shaft 40 for operative connectionto thearmature shaft of an electrical motor 41 through the medium of reductiongearing confined in the extremity of the motor housing 41 confined inthe cylindrical casing section 29 for support in any suitable manner.The front portion of the casing section 29 is provided with an elongatedopening 42 which is enclosed by a cylindrical translucent or opaque rim43 disposed interiorly thereof for support by the ribs or spiders 31.

Any suitable indicia 44 such as Fresh orange drin may be inscribed onthe rim 43 either opaque or translucent in contrast with the remainingarea thereof so that such will appear illuminated owing to a lightsource such as an electric bulb 45 which is supported in a standardsocket 46 within the interior of the casing section 29. The bulb socket46 is shunted to the electrical motor circuit 4'? so that the motor 41and bulb 45 are simultaneously energized from the same electricalsource. As a result, the structure not only serves as a dispensing unit,but also constitutes an attractive, instructive and sales inducingadvertising medium.

In order that the customer may see the incorporation of fresh fruitjuices in the dispensed liquid, an extractor is provided for operationresponsive to the motor 41. The extractor constitutes, in this instance,a conical, ribbed burr 48 connected directly to the armature shaft 49 ofthe motor 41 for extension exteriorly of the casing section 29. This maybe disposed in any suitable position, either rearwardly or laterally ofthe casing section 29 which is formed with a spout 50 in the vicinitythereof to accumulate the fresh fruit juices issuing responsive to theapplication of an orange or similar edible to the burr 48 which rotatesresponsive to the motor 41. As shown, the spout 50 has a dependingnipple 51 in bored communication therewith for receiving a pipe or hose52 thereon. The hose 52 extends downwardly for connected communicationwith a nipple 53 integrally or otherwise formed on the faucet valve body17. The nipple 53 communicates with the interior of the faucet 17through the valve 28 which is provided with ports 54 and 55. As aresult, the valve 28 may be pivoted to open the faucet 17 so that theliquid 19 and fresh fruit juices confined in the tube 52 will beintermixed for discharge to a glass or other suitable receptacle,thereby effecting the selective dispensing of the liquids and fruitjuices to meet merchandising requirements.

With the arrangement of parts above described, it will be apparent thata plurality or any number of liquid containers 16 may be charged with asupply of the desired liquid and refrigerated for storage proximate orremoved from the merchandising counter. The containers are each providedwith valve faucets 17, refrigerated chambers 21, and closures 25 so thatthe unit may be removably associated with the casing 10, therebyreplenishing the supply by changing liquid containers rather thanpouring liquids therein within view of the customers. Moreover,refrigerated liquids are immediately available for dispensing to meetcontinuous demands to the end that dispensing apparatus of thischaracter may be rendered substantially limitless in its supply. This iseffected without entailing any undue iabor, time, inconvenience andsales resistance, since a supply is availableat all times with thethought that the liquid or drink is prepared therein without artificialor synthetic substitution.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention hereinspecifically described without departing from or sacrificing any of theadvantages thereof as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a device of the character described, the combination with a casingconstituting a chambered enclosure, there being an opening in saidcasing, a liquid confining container removably associated with saidcasing for confinement in j the chambered interior thereof, valveddispensing means fixed to said container for exterior accessible liquiddischarge control, a refrigerant chamber in said container forconfinement therein, a closure engaging said container and refrigerantloo lie

chamber to maintain a spaced relation therebetween, and means on saidclosure engageable with said refrigerant chamber to effect the movementthereof with said closure relative to said container for the purpose setforth.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination with a casingconstituting a chambered enclosure, there being an opening in saidcasing, a liquid confining container removably associated with saidcasing for confinement in the chambered interior thereof, valveddispensing means fixed to said container for exterior accessible liquiddischarge control, a refrigerant chamber in said container forconfinement therein, a closure detachably engaging said container andrefrigerant chamber to maintain a spaced relation therebetween, means onsaid closure engageable with said refrigerant chamber, and a handlefixed to said closure to effect movement of said refrigerant chamberrelative to said container.

3. In a liquid storage container, the combination with a shell forconfining liquids, a refrigerant chamber in said shell, and a closuretelescopically associated with said shell, and means on said closure forregistry with said refrigerant chamber to effect liquid agitation insaid shell responsive to turning said closure with said chamber relativeto said shell.

4. In a liquid storage container, the combination with a shell forconfining liquids, a refrigerant chamber in said shell, a closuretelescopically associated with said shell, and means on said closure forregistry with said refrigerant chamber,

and a handle fixed to said closure to effect liquid agitation in saidshell responsive to turning said closure with said chamber relative tosaid shell.

5. In a liquid storage container, the combination with a shell forconfining liquids, valved dispensing means operatively associated withsaid container, a refrigerant chamber in said shell, and a closuretelescopically associated with said shell, and means on said closure forregistry with said refrigerant chamber to effect liquid agitation insaid shell responsive to turning said closure with said chamber relativeto said shell.

6. In a liquid storage container, the combination with a shell forconfining liquids, valved dispensing means operatively associated withsaid container, a rectangular refrigerant chamber in said shell, and aclosure telescopically associated with said shell, and means on saidclosure for registry with said refrigerant chamber, and a handle fixedto said closure to effect liquid agitation in said shell responsive toturning said closure with said chamber relative to said shell.

7. In a device of the character described, the combination with a casingconstituting a chambered enclosure, a display member rotativelyassociated with said casing, a liquid confining chamber in said casing,valved dispensing means on said container, a fresh fruit extractorjournalled in said casing, motor power means for rotating said displaymember and extractor, and means for directing the fresh fruit juice fromsaid extractor to said valved dispensing means to control a mixeddischarge therefrom.

KENNETH E. BEMIS.

